Stepped-sheet binder index



Dec. 3, 1929.

H. J. MAHRER STEPPED SHEET BINDER INDEX Filed Oct. 5, 7

JNVENTOR A TTOIENE Y8 Patented Dec. 3, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEHARVEY J. MAHRER, F KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR 'IO REMINGTON RAND,INCL, OLE WILMINGTON, DELAWARE STEIE'IPED-SHEET BINDER INDEX Applicationfiled October 5, 1927. Serial No. 224,147.

The main objects of this invention are: First, to provide a binder andindex for stepped sheets in which the variations in thickness of thesheet body occasioned by the stepped arrangement of the sheets areeliminated.

Second, to provide an index sheet for use in' panying drawing forming apart of this ap plication, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a temporary binder structure in open positionembodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one of the index sheets of theembodiment illustrated, one of the filler elements being thrown out oinormal position to better illustrate structure.

Fig. 3 is a detail longitudinal section oil one of the index sheets.

Fig. 4 is a detail section on a line corresponding to line il- 1: ofFig. 1 showing one of the sets of indexed sheets and its index sheet innormal superimposed position.

Referring to the drawing, the binder 1 illustrated is of the curvedprong type, it be ing provided with a plurality of prongs 2.

The indexed sheets are arranged in sets between index sheets 3, the setof indexed sheets comprising a plurality of sheets i arranged in steppedrelation to expose an edge of each sheet. Each of the sheets 4 has aplurality of holes 5 in its binding edge permitting engagement withselected prongs to bring about the stepped relation as shown in Figs. 1and 4. This stepped relation produces a wedged or tapered effect towardthe top and bottom of the binder as will be readily understood and as isillustrated in Fig. 4C.

To compensate for this the index sheets 8 are provided with taperingfiller elements at the top and bottom, each filler element comstripsalso have holes indicated at 12 to reprising a plurality of superimposedstrips as 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in the embodiment illustrated. These stripsare secured to the sheet 3 at the binding edge of the sheet which hasholes 11 to receive the binding prongs. The filler ceive these prongs.

Each set of superimposed filler strips is provided with a cover 18 whichis secured at 14 to the outer edge of the sheet 3 to overlie the fillerstrips and is provided with holes 15 adapted to receive the bindingprongs. This arrangement effectively secures the filler strips withoutdanger of their buckling or distorting the index sheet.

These index sheets are provided with index tabs 16. With the indexsheets interposed between the sets of indexed sheets as illustrated, asheet body of substantially uniform thickness from top to bottom isprovided which not only supports the set of indexed sheets at the pointat which the book is opened in position for proper inspection ormanipulation, but supports the sheets so that they present a suitablewriting surface where it is desired to make entries thereon withoutremoving from the binder. The binding being 01 uniform thickness, thesheet body can be more conveniently handled.

I have illustrated and described my im- 80 provements in an embodimentwhich I have found highly practical. Ihave not attempted to illustratevarious modifications or adaptations which I contemplate as it isbelieved thisdisclosure will enable those skilled in the art to whichthis invention relates to embody or adapt the same as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is;

1. The combination with a temporary binder provided with a plurality ofsl1eet-engaging prongs a plurality of sets of indexed sheets engagedwith said prongs in stepped overlapping relation, index sheetsinterposed 95 between said sets of indexed sheets, said index sheetscomprising a main sheet provided with an index tab, filler elements eachcomprising a plurality of strips of varying width arranged transverselyof and in superimposed loo relation at the tops and bottoms of saidindex sheets and secured at the binding edges thereof and perforated toreceive the said prongs, and cover strips for said filler element stripssecured at the outer edges of said index sheets and having holesat theirfree ends adapted to receive the binding prongs.

2. The combination with a binder provided with a plurality of sheet-engaing prongs, a

plurality of sets of indexed s eets engaged withsaid prongs in steppedoverlapping relation, index sheets interposedbetween said sets ofindexed sheets, said index sheets compris-' ing a main sheetprovidedwith-an-index tab, filler elements each comprising a pluralityof strips of varying width arranged transversely of and in superimposedrelation at the tops and bottoms of said index sheets, and independentcover strips for said filler element stripsat opposite ends of said mainsheet.

. 3. The combination with a temporary binder provided with a pluralityof sheet-engaging prongs, a set of indexed sheets engaged with'saidprongs in stepped overlapping relation, a filler comprising a main sheetand filler elements each comprising a plurality of stripsof varyingwidth arranged transversely 'of-and in superimposed relation at the topand bottom of said main sheet and secured at the binding edge thereofand perforated to receive the said prongs, and cover strips for saidfiller element strips secured atthe outer edge of said main sheet andhaving holes at their free ends adapted to recelve the bindin prongs.

4. An index s eet for; use in combination with sheets arranged instepped overlapping relation, said index sheet being provided with aplurality. of filler strips of varying width disposed insuperimposedrelation at the top and bottom, and cover strips for saidsuperimposed strips, thesuperimposed set of strips being secured at oneedge of said-index sheet I andth'e cover strips at the other, theiropposite ends being'free.

5. An index sheet-for use in combination with sheets arranged in steppedoverlapping p relation provided with a plurality of filler 'strips ofvarying width disposed in superimposed relation at the top and bottom,and cover strips for said superimposed strips at the top and bottomsecured at one end to said index sheet.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

I HARVEYVJ. MAHRER.

